KEY TOPICS: 2 births, PCOS, infertility, gestational diabetes, retained placenta, pandemic.

In the very first episode of Gibraltar Birth Stories, we meet Kathy - who has a great story about her own arrival on the Rock in the 1980's! She and her husband first met at primary school, and they have two young children together.

Kathy and her husband encountered fertility issues due to polycystic ovary syndrome when they began trying to conceive. After tests and treatment, they fell pregnant in 2020... and found out just a week before the global lockdown! She describes what it was like to be pregnant at that vulnerable time, plus the fast natural births of her daughter, and then son almost two years later. Kathy was at risk of pre-eclampsia with her first birth, and talks about recovery from retained placenta with her second. She shares her experience of becoming a family of four, and the advice she would go back and give herself as a new mother.

This is a really heartwarming listen (with quite a few food references too!) - and I'm hugely grateful for Kathy's support in being the very first Born on the Rock podcast story. This episode was recorded in October 2024.

Find more about Kathy's story and the podcast on Instagram: born_on_the_rock

If you'd like to tell your story, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi 

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Welcome to Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories podcast, with Lucinda Snape

New for 2025, GBC presents a collection of emotional, inspiring and true stories from parents about what it's like to have a baby on the Rock.

Every experience is completely unique, and deserves to be heard! If you've had a baby in Gibraltar in any decade, we want to hear from you.

To share your story or find out more, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi

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KEY TOPICS: 3 pregnancies, hyperemesis gravidarum, miscarriage, Turner's syndrome, omphalocele, genetics, baby loss, secondary infertility, IVF

We're meeting Tara Montegriffo in this episode: a Gibraltarian wife and mother of one young daughter at the time of recording (November 2024). Please be aware that this is an emotional listen, involving discussion of baby loss.

Tara describes her three difficult pregnancy journeys, involving debilitating sickness until delivery. After the safe caesarean birth of her first daughter, she went on to suffer two devastating miscarriages... one in the second trimester, due to Turner's syndrome, omphalocele and cardiology complications. Tara speaks candidly about the trauma surrounding the loss of her second child, including weeks of travelling between Spain, Gibraltar and London for genetic testing and specialist care.

As Tara and her husband dream of growing their family, she describes the challenges in facing secondary infertility, including hidden costs and burdens involved in the IVF process. I'm very grateful to Tara for sharing her story, to help raise awareness and normalise conversations for others going through difficult pregnancy journeys. She feels strongly about women supporting one another, and during our discussion Tara spoke so eloquently and with composure about her experiences. I would love to welcome Tara back on the podcast in future, hopefully with happy news of a sibling for her daughter.

If you feel affected by details in this story, BabySTEPPS Gibraltar offer baby loss support through pregnancy and parenthood:

https://www.facebook.com/BABYSTEPPSGIB

Find more about Tara's story on Facebook and Instagram: born_on_the_rock

If you'd like to tell YOUR story, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi 

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, aortic valve displacement/replacement, blood clot, advanced maternal age, premature, caesarean, hip dysplasia

Meet poker manager Colette Stewart, who had a high-stakes journey to motherhood! It’s an extraordinary listen as Colette describes a complication with her artificial heart valve, that led to her daughter’s emergency caesarean… alongside her own heart surgery in the same procedure.

Colette moved to the Rock in 2000 with a managed heart condition. There were known risks to becoming pregnant, but her medication was adjusted and she conceived with her then-partner. She had a good textbook pregnancy with a due date the end of January 2013, however as she entered her third trimester, Colette felt crushing fatigue. An emergency check-up confirmed the frightening presence of a heart complication.

What followed was a dramatic race to Cadiz for emergency care, as a team of specialists urgently consulted: how to save both mother and baby? With huge risks, uncertainty and a language barrier, Colette faced the real possibility that she might not survive to meet her baby. It’s an emotional listen as she describes undergoing a caesarean AND a heart valve replacement… within the same hour. More surgery followed to fit a pacemaker, and five days passed before Colette could meet her premature little girl.

Thankfully both recovered well and returned home for Christmas. We discuss how Colette’s daughter was treated for hip dysplasia, but has since been in excellent health with no inherited heart issues... and is now actually taller than Colette! It’s heart-warming to hear about the invaluable support she had from friends and family, as Colette beat the odds to become a mother. She tells this incredible journey in such a down-to-earth way! Thank you Colette, for sharing your birth story (Recorded March 2026).  

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KEY TOPICS: 5 pregnancies, missed miscarriages, second trimester loss, birth trauma, retained placenta, D&C, cervical lip, assisted delivery, autism, thyroiditis, pandemic

Angelique Cavilla describes her parenting journey involving five pregnancies and her three sons… so please note this episode contains discussion of loss, including the second trimester.

Angelique and her husband were expecting their first baby in 2013. It was a good pregnancy, although the induced delivery of their little boy was tricky with Angelique’s cervical lip. Over time, she noticed her son’s development differed from other babies, and he received a diagnosis of autism as a toddler.

Angelique’s second pregnancy in 2016 went well, with a delivery similar to her first although more intense. Their second son was born quickly and Angelique recovered well. Despite nights of poor sleep and communication issues with her eldest, she expressed the feeling: “I’m not done yet.” However the journey to reach their third child saw two devastating losses – in the pandemic year of 2020.

At almost 16 weeks the couple’s world fell apart at a gender scan, when instead, they discovered no heartbeat. It’s a harrowing description of traumatic delivery… while background TV’s announced lockdown. Angeliques explains the cruelty of a ‘missed miscarriage,’ – when the body gives no sign that a pregnancy has ended weeks before – and the hardest part: explaining to her young sons.

Social distancing meant Angelique’s recovery was lonely, while working and home-schooling. It was a bleak time, made harder by the discovery of another missed miscarriage at 8 weeks. A rollercoaster of emotions followed – and another pregnancy. Thankfully Angelique reached full-term, before a difficult labour and forceps delivery of her longed-for son.

We discuss the bond between her boys, family life, plus coping with health anxiety and physical repercussions after her births and losses. Angelique hope her story of a 'rainbow baby' shows that hope can exist after loss. I’m very grateful to Angelique for so honestly sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded March 2026).

If you've been affected by topics in this episode, please find local support online: Baby STEPPs (Support Through Early Parenthood & Pregnancies) Gibraltar

or with https://gibsams.gi for a free confidential listening service.

More support is available at: https://www.tommys.org/ and https://www.sands.org.uk/

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, caesarean, nuchal cord, jaundice, ABO incompatibility, haemolytic disease of newborn (HDN), blood transfusion, grandmother

We’re heading back to the late 80’s today, with Ivana Finlayson and her husband – both nurses at the old St Bernard’s hospital. It’s a dramatic and emotional listen for the second half of our story.

Ivana was a young mother with a good pregnancy, and her son was born on his actual due date! She required a caesarean with both of her children – at a time when these were carried out under general anaesthetic. She returned to work two months postpartum, and speaks about a special bond with her own mother.

By 1991, Ivana was expecting again. Soon after the birth, her baby’s health deteriorated due to differing blood types between mother and baby (ABO incompatibility now rarely presents complications, thanks to advances in early detection).

She describes a traumatic few days as her daughter’s jaundice worsened; she became so poorly that a priest was called. Just two days postpartum, Ivana took a flight to King’s College Hospital, terrified by warnings that her baby might die. She remembers emergency care being excellent, as staff discovered the shocking reason her daughter hadn’t improved in Gibraltar.

Back on the Rock, Ivana adjusted to life with a newborn and toddler… while taking her nursing exams. She feels that navigating her daughter’s near-fatal experience made her a more empathetic nurse, and she describes a touching ‘full-circle’ moment towards the end of our chat. It was lovely to hear Ivana’s advice to her younger self, as well what it’s like to be a grandmother. Thank you Ivana for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded December 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, miscarriage, fertility, posterior uterus, transverse lie, induction, natural delivery, advanced maternal age, pandemic

Welcome to an uplifting episode of empowerment, positivity and humour! We meet Dulcie Edwards, her husband and their two children, born either side of the pandemic.

For years Dulcie never dreamed of becoming a parent - but when the time came to start a family in her early 30's, she describes tricky menstrual cycles and hormonal treatment for fertility issues. After a sad miscarriage, the couple found they were expecting their daughter in 2019.

There's some very funny anecdotes through Dulcie's pregnancy journey (especially from her workplace at a school!), before a long labour began. She describes how her baby seemed 'stuck,' due to a transverse position and her posterior uterus. A fast birth followed with a good recovery for both, though Dulcie speaks about processing her emotions in the early postpartum months.

After the pandemic, the family found they were expecting a little boy. At full-term Dulcie was induced due to the risk of infection. She describes an intense labour with no pain relief, and her son making his arrival known! We chat about her recovery, the children's bond and personalities, plus her hopes for their futures - especially in a digital world. This was a fun and empowering one to record, and I'm very grateful to Dulcie for sharing her two Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded December 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, natural delivery, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, breech, elective caesarean, Klipper-Feil syndrome (KFS), large age gap

We meet Nicole Byrne this week: a mother of three boys who really learned to speak up! It's an episode of growth as Nicole overcame challenges and stigma - she describes negative local attitudes to being young, pregnant and unmarried in the 1990's.

For all three pregnancies, Nicole experienced nausea, sensitivity to smell and minimal weight gain. Much of her first labour was without pain relief, and her son was born with no complications. Despite him being a 'good' baby, Nicole's fatigue led to a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, requiring lifelong treatment.

When pregnant with her second son, Nicole was advised to have a caesarean due to his breech position. In the months after his birth, she felt certain there was something wrong... yet felt dismissed by doctors with no medical answers. Nicole insisted on a referral to a UK hospital - where he was diagnosed with a very rare condition affecting the neck, shoulder and spine (Klipper-Feil Syndrome with Sprengel's deformity). Despite family support it was a difficult time for Nicole - she became involved with the Disability Society and took a career break to care for her young boys.

There's humour in our chat as Nicole describes a surprise pregnancy with her new partner, almost a decade later! After a scare in the third trimester, her third son was born very quickly. We have a lovely chat about the boys' relationships, and what it's like to parent adults. This was such an interesting episode about trusting your intuition, learning to advocate, and growing in confidence as a mother. I'm so grateful to Nicole for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded November 2025).

http://www.gibraltardisabilitysociety.com

Disclaimer: views expressed in podcast episodes are those of guests, and do not reflect the views of GBC.

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, endometriosis, hyperemesis, assisted delivery, elective caesarean, pandemic

We meet local mother Roxane and her husband in this episode, plus their son and daughter born two years apart. Roxane discovered she was pregnant after treatment for endometriosis... and just as the world locked down with the pandemic in 2020.

She describes the uncertainty of changing Covid restrictions, and how severe sickness from six weeks made for a challenging pregnancy. After a lengthy labour, their little girl arrived by assisted delivery. Roxane describes the use of forceps as traumatic, and her recovery slow as they adjusted to life as a family of three.

In her second pregnancy, Roxane again suffered with hyperemesis that led to three hospital admissions in her first trimester. This time she accepted more family support, and describes finding a pattern to taking anti-sickness medications... while parenting her toddler.

Due to her previous difficult experience, Roxane was offered an elective caesarean. She describes feeling torn between her options, before a 'lightbulb' decisive moment. However, the birth of her son coincided with an unsettling event for the family, leading to an emotional week in hospital.

Despite being major surgery, Roxane describes her caesarean recovery as far less painful and a complete contrast to her first birth experience. It's lovely to hear her increased self-confidence across this episode! We also discuss her hopes and concerns for the children's futures - including the rise of social media, and her positive parenting approach from a counselling background. Thank you Roxane for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded October 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, type-1 diabetes, blood thinning injections, induction, natural delivery, jaundice, athlete

This is a great episode about what it's like for a world class athlete to undergo dramatic physical changes to become a mother, as well as manage type one diabetes through pregnancy. Olivia and her husband Mark are parents to a one year old little girl and are both elite cyclists, having represented Gibraltar at the Commonwealth and Island Games.

The couple had to find time period between competitive events to try for a family, and quickly became pregnant in 2023. The physical change for Olivia was stark - from 100km cycles and personal bests, to a 25kg weight gain and being breathless climbing the stairs. She describes becoming hyper-vigilant in monitoring her daily sugar levels to ensure the baby's healthy development. She also experienced an erratic heart rate and nausea through pregnancy, alongside working full-time and moving house!

This is a great example of a successful induction and straightforward labour without complications - aside from the smell of her husband's lunch! It was emotional meeting their daughter for the first time, and after a short stay in hospital due to jaundice, they settled into life as a family of three.

Olivia's postpartum journey saw her restart gentle exercise with her husband's support a few weeks later. Remarkably within just three months, she regained much of her fitness and qualified for the Orkney Island Games! Olivia went on to win gold and bronze medals at the event in 2025 - when her daughter was just over a year old. She describes juggling training and parenting in such a down-to-earth way - I loved recording this fun and inspirational episode! Thanks Olivia for sharing your Gibraltar Birth Story (Recorded September 2025).

https://www.gbc.gi/news/orkney-island-games-two-gold-a-bronze-for-gibraltars-womens-cycling-team

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural deliveries, unmedicated birth, jaundice, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), sacroiliitis, hypermobility, autism, pandemic

We meet Maggie Henshaw in this episode, a mum to two boys born either side of the pandemic. The way she discovered both pregnancies was unusual!

Maggie and her husband had been trying to start their family for over three years, when they found they were expecting their son. She had a positive pregnancy journey, natural delivery and good recovery in early 2019, with her son experiencing temporary 'conehead' after delivery. As a toddler, he began speech and language therapy due to glue ear and later received a diagnosis of autism… while Maggie was pregnant with the couple’s second son.

Her second pregnancy was difficult due to worsening pelvic pain - by her second trimester, Maggie was using crutches. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) meant she experienced increasing discomfort around her hips, sacroiliac joints and lower spine… especially as the baby grew. This affects 1 in 5 pregnant women, and Maggie’s story really highlights its’ impact before and after birth. She went into spontaneous labour in the summer of 2023 and had another natural delivery – without any pain relief! 

Maggie speaks warmly of her supportive husband, her mum and mother-in-law – as well as Early Birds nursery. We discuss her mixed feeding journey, parenting a child with autism, and what it’s like to have children that look so similar! Thank you Maggie for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded September 2025).

Early Birds Nursery: https://www.stmartinsschoolgibraltar.com/our-school/early-birds-nursery

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, pre-eclampsia, induction, natural delivery, jaundice, breech, epidural, elective caesarean, big babies

Kick-starting Season 4 of the podcast is local nurse Kelly Bingham! In this episode we meet her family - her ex-military husband and two boys... born six years apart at the same weight of 9lbs 2oz!

The couple learned they were expecting their first baby in the summer of 2013, and Kelly experienced a good pregnancy - aside from nausea and working a physically demanding job. She describes a good labour and natural delivery, although with fluctuating blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) and an issue with uterus contraction afterwards. At six weeks old, her baby’s jaundice levels required an urgent referral to a London hospital – a period Kelly describes as very difficult. Thankfully he had no serious complications and returned to the Rock soon after.

For her second pregnancy Kelly was not as nauseous… but from 14 weeks her baby remained in breech position. She talks about the higher-risk situation making her nervous for a different kind of birth, an elective caesarean. Thankfully it went well, and after being treated for an infection she had a good recovery too. Although her second son also had jaundice investigations, he was deemed healthy.

Throughout our chat, Kelly references gratitude for her strong family support. She describes adjusting to becoming a family of four - there's a funny story about how her sons first met! - and she speaks fondly about the bond between her two sons. This was a fun one to record! (August 2025) Thank you Kelly for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories.

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Hear a gripping audio trailer of our wonderful guests, who told their unique birth experiences across episodes 26 - 40 in Season 3.

Listen to the the voices of these local mothers, and a summary of the huge range of topics covered:

💜 15 episodes (July to October 2025)

💜 Over 18 hours of audio

💜 Stories ranging from 1975 to this summer

💜 27 babies born!!

As the national broadcaster, it's been a privilege to capture these life-changing and emotional local stories... providing support and a powerful resource to others in our community. Thank you for listening, and join us for Season 4 starting in January 2026!

If you'd like to share your story, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, natural delivery, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), blood transfusion, short age-gap

Welcome to part 2 of Chloe's journey - a diary special to end Season 3 of the podcast! We track Chloe's pregnancy with their surprise baby that she and her husband conceived naturally... just months after welcoming their little girl born via IVF.

Episode 39 (part one) was recorded when Chloe was 19 weeks pregnant. This episode begins at 29+2 weeks, as Chloe recaps her second trimester– with a flight to America, plus discovering an unusual gynae issue. Going into trimester 3, she’s uncertain whether to have an elective caesarean or natural labour.

At our full term update (38+1), Chloe is more confident about her birth plan, and speaks so highly of her supportive husband. She outlines the physical and emotional strains of being heavily pregnant in August with a toddler, but shares a great beach tip and some funny anecdotes about how people respond to her bump! She speculates (incorrectly!) about when her daughter might be born. Another update (39+1) sees more discomfort kick in.

Short voice notes at 40 weeks, 40+2 and 40+3 capture progress of appointments...and Chloe’s emotions! Remarkably, she recorded an update on the ACTUAL day her daughter was born, and the very next day too... but from the Critical Care Unit, due to another postpartum haemorrhage. Thankfully her daughter was well, and Chloe tracks her recovery with voice notes 2 & 5 days postpartum.

Two weeks after the birth, Chloe gives a more detailed account of events. Despite another traumatic experience requiring a blood transfusion, she’s full of praise for the medical team and feels she had a better physical recovery this time. We have final catch-ups at 1 and almost 2 months postpartum, where Chloe discusses her daughter’s emerging personality, reflects on self-care and shares her hopes for the future.

I’m so grateful to Chloe for recording this very special episode over half a year! :)

Season 4 begins in January 2026,

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, IVF, assisted natural delivery, retained placenta, dilation & evacuation (D&E), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)

Welcome to the first of a two-part special, to end Season 3 of the podcast! Chloe Loddo and her husband had been trying to start their family for over 2 years, before receiving a diagnosis of infertility. She speaks poignantly about the increasing impact on her mental health at that time, before the couple began their IVF journey at a Spanish private clinic in 2023.

Chloe had a successful first treatment cycle - and she describes her 'cautiously optimistic' mindset throughout a good pregnancy journey. There's some humour in how she describes labour starting, before her daughter was born via an assisted natural delivery (kiwi vacuum) in the Spring of 2024.

However she sustained significant blood loss, and in the following days Chloe became even more poorly with a dangerous complication. She was admitted to hospital for an emergency procedure to remove retained placenta… and some weeks later, a second postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) led to another hospital admission. Chloe explains how her difficult start to motherhood was a blur, of feeling very unwell and being separated from her little girl.

She praises her husband and mum for their support during her recovery, and happily they settled well into family life together. Chloe shares some great positive advice to others trying to conceive or facing infertility, and speaks about wishing she’d opened up to close family and friends sooner for support. And then! A HUGE surprise that Chloe simply describes as 'wild.' You'll be smiling so much by the end of this episode! We'll continue Chloe's story in part two, Episode 40.

If you found this episode particularly interesting, check out episode 29 too.

For more episodes about IVF, find episodes 2, 7, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 25.

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, non-identical twins, caesarean, ulcerative colitis, pandemic

During her twin pregnancy, local artist Kyrane had other double trouble to contend with: her own autoimmune disorder and the pandemic.

Kyrane and her husband were childhood sweethearts who married in 2018 – and when they conceived, her bump showed quickly! There’s a humorous description of the moment the couple discovered they were expecting not one, but two babies. The pregnancy also had a surprising effect on Kyrane’s existing ulcerative colitis: her often debilitating chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

As Kyrane entered her second trimester… the world entered lockdown. She describes cancelled appointments in 2020 with restrictions and isolation, at a time when most expectant mothers are enjoying family contact. Happily she made it to full-term and her non-identical twin boys arrived safely – although she had a difficult recovery from the elective caesarean.

The boys were well, though Kyrane later describes a dramatic health scare with one, plus a serious UC flare up that saw her hospitalised for a month, when her boys were still babies. She talks about these frightening incidents in such an engaging way, and we have a great chat about the boys’ bond, and her strong family support.

Fun fact – Kyrane is the daughter of our guest from episode 47! 🤩How amazing to hear the baby from that story all grown up, and describing her own babies now! Thanks so much Kyrane, for sharing your twin Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded February 2026).

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, chicken pox, natural deliveries, fast labour, premature, caesarean, grandmother

We're heading back to 1985, 1987 and 1991 today with Jackie Catania and her three children. This is a great episode for hearing about very smooth pregnancies... although she describes medical factors after each birth.

Jackie was 23-years old and full-term with her first child... when she got chicken pox! She was very uncomfortable, and it presented the maternity ward with a delivery challenge. A fast natural labour followed and thankfully her daughter was unaffected, but Jackie was advised not to hold or feed her daughter until the pox had gone... a full week later. She speaks about feeling overwhelmed when she finally brought her daughter home, although speaks fondly about support from her mother and sister.

Two years later Jackie experienced another smooth pregnancy, fast labour and natural delivery with her son. However he had breathing difficulties as a baby and child, and she describes a trip to the UK for investigations. Doctors discovered the root of his manageable condition, and Jackie explains her concern and care throughout his childhood.

A last textbook pregnancy followed, but with a spontaneous labour six weeks early. Jackie describes how her waters broke in a very public place, and how medical professionals deemed a caesarean delivery best... against her wishes. Jackie describes painful healing while travelling to hospital in London post-partum, for her daughter to be monitored. Happily she was well, and Jackie was able to breastfeed for the first time, before returning to the Rock.

We have an interesting discussion about the benefits of hindsight, and what it's like to be a grandparent. I’m so grateful to Jackie for sharing her three Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded August 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, endometriosis, laparoscopy, infertility, natural delivery, placenta previa, caesarean, haemorrhage, blood transfusion, birth trauma

⚠️Trigger warning: Discussion of birth trauma in the second half of this episode.

We're meeting Tina Reyes and her husband in this episode, whose two boys were born in 2012 and 2015. Tina underwent gynae investigations and treatments for suspected infertility, before falling pregnant with her first son. She had a textbook pregnancy before a lengthy labour and natural delivery. Tina gives a great description of her breastfeeding journey with local support.

She had a positive second pregnancy... until a hospital admission at 17 weeks due to placenta previa. It's a serious complication with a high risk of bleeding, commonly requiring caesarean delivery. Tina describes how online groups helped yet hindered: she learned alot but felt intense anxiety into her third trimester. She was hospitalisied again at 32 weeks.

A full-term caesarean delivery followed, but with a sudden medical emergency. Tina cites instances that she feels impacted events surrounding the birth - with some details she only learned months later. It's an emotional listen as Tina speculates whether outcomes may have been avoided or managed differently. Thankfully her son was well after a delayed blood transfusion, although her own recovery understandably took longer.

Family support has been a major factor in Tina's journey, and we chat about raising boys as the teenage years approach. She's passionate about self advocacy, and I'm very grateful to Tina for bravely sharing her two contrasting Gibraltar birth stories (Recorded August 2025).

If you have been affected by any of the topics in this episode, GibSams offer a listening service on free phone number 113 123, or find support online at: https://gibsams.gi/

Disclaimer: views expressed in this article are those of Tina Reyes and do not reflect the views of GBC.

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural deliveries, premature, jaundice, gastroesophageal reflux, great-grandmother

We’re meeting 68-year old Anne Martinez in this episode who takes us back to the 1970’s for a UK birth, and the 1980’s for a birth on the Rock. Unusually, both of Anne’s babies were born prematurely and - more unusually - required minimal intervention!

Anne describes a good healthy pregnancy in 1975, and what it was like to go into spontaneous labour as a married 19 year old far away from family. Her daughter arrived by natural delivery at a healthy weight after a straightforward and quick labour – she had no complications and avoided a stay in an incubator. Anne recovered well, but alludes to a serious incident that led to her returning to the Rock with her daughter.

Some years later a second pregnancy followed with her new husband. Anne was well, but again went into spontaneous labour at 7 months, while watching a popular 80’s TV drama! Her son arrived by natural delivery – the same week that Anne was due to use the first ultrasound scanner that had arrived in Gibraltar. She describes him born at a good weight, but experiencing jaundice. She also sought a second opinion and medical treatment across the (recently re-opened) border, for her son's gastrointestinal issues.

We chat about what it’s like to be a great-grandmother, as well as something very important to Anne: her faith. There’s family links to a guest from episode 25 on the podcast too! I’m so grateful to Anne for sharing her premature birth stories from over 40 years ago (Recorded August 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, PCOS, infertility, obesity, gestational diabetes, induction, assisted delivery, natural deliveries, short age-gap, Rh-negative blood, jaundice

Laura Bradshaw and her military husband found themselves posted to Gibraltar in 2010, at a stage where they'd already been trying to start a family for a few years - unsuccessfully. Laura describes irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries and her weight as issues in not receiving more timely help with fertility treatment... but when this was finally prescribed, it proved very effective! 

Laura had a good pregnancy and felt well, but describes rising anxiety in her second trimester as she was repeatedly warned by military medical staff that she would have to return to the UK to give birth alone. Unhappy with this plan, she switched her care to the GHA and was instantly happier with a more attentive and caring approach, plus regular monitoring for her gestational diabetes. She describes a lengthy labour, induction and tricky assisted delivery as they welcomed their little boy, before spending a very happy year on the Rock as a family of three.

Laura explains what it was like to discover a surprise second pregnancy soon afterwards, and to move from Gibraltar for their next posting while expecting! This time it was textbook pregnancy with a faster, spontaneous labour and natural delivery of their second son. Some years later (and while living in yet another location!) Laura became pregnant again with their daughter. But this journey was trickier due to nausea, gestational diabetes, a longer induced labour and a jaundice scare requiring specialist treatment.

We chat about juggling care for three young children while far away from family, the military way of life, and the things Laura misses about Gibraltar (especially one detail about St Bernard's hospital!)... as well as the power of advocating for yourself and seeking support. This story was so interesting to record and I'm very grateful to Laura for adding a fascinating insight to the podcast, about giving birth on the Rock when it's not your permanent home! (Recorded August 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, early miscarriages, subchorionic hematoma, hyperemesis, placental abruption, prematurity, emergency caesarean, pandemic, short age-gap, elective caesarean, blood transfusion, autism

We're squeezing a huge range of topics into this fascinating episode, with Lesley Anne Viñales and her husband. This couple married young and took a relaxed approach to starting their family, but as the years passed with two sad early miscarriages, they began to think parenthood could be out of reach. Happily, they became pregnant... but as the pandemic hit! Lesley speaks about the challenges of being an expectant mother when the whole world locked down.

At 33 weeks while in Spain, she felt increasing pain... followed by a sudden, heavy bleed. A frightening rush followed to get to Gibraltar, and thanks to the actions of a quick-thinking border officer, the couple reached St Bernard's quickly. It's an emotional listen as Lesley describes the blur of an emergency caesarean - her doctor detected life-threatening placental abruption, and safely delivered their daughter.  Unusually for a premature baby, she didn't have to leave the Rock for specialist care. Lesley reflects on how different the outcome could have been. She healed well and they settled into family life in the summer of 2020.

Then along came a second, unexpected pregnancy! Lesley explains the irony of the new baby's due date, and speaks about navigating gallbladder issues, another haematoma and more hyperemesis. She was monitored closely, and an elective caesarean was deemed the safest option. Their second daughter arrived healthy at full-term, and Lesley reflects on the two contrasting birth experiences, describing them as like 'night and day.'

There's an interesting discussion about autism towards the end of this episode, and the parenting challenges that presents. She has been supported by family and Early Bird's nursery, and speaks so fondly about both her girls - their personalities really shine through! It's clear she and her husband are an incredibly strong team together, and I'm so grateful to Lesley for sharing her - remarkably different - birth stories (Recorded July 2025).

Early Bird's Nursery information: https://www.stmartinsschoolgibraltar.com/our-school/early-birds-nursery

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, PCOS, adenomyosis/endometriosis, natural delivery, sciatica, miscarriage, multilingualism, advanced maternal age

Benvenuti to an international episode of the podcast! We’re jetting between Gibraltar and Rome in this story, with local mum Rochelle Ferreri and her Italian husband. 

Rochelle sets the scene describing gynaecological issues from her from teenage years, with PCOS and debilitating painful periods. This was medically managed through her adult life, until the couple decided to start trying for a baby. Rochelle fell pregnant quickly in 2014, and found comfort spending time at the beach. Despite sickness and sciatica, she had a generally good pregnancy and a straightforward natural delivery on the Rock. Rochelle was supported by her mum and husband – who thankfully made it back in time from Italy for his son’s birth!

She explains what it was like to travel with a newborn, highlighting both the exciting opportunities and challenges of bringing up a baby over a thousand miles away from family. Rochelle found a support network of other ex-pat parents, and emphasises the importance of creating connection in early parenthood. 

There's mention of a sad miscarriage in this episode, as Rochelle navigated medical investigations for her returning heavy periods approaching her forties. She shares the fertility information she wishes she’d known years ago, and we discuss the importance of listening to your body. There's an interesting chat about raising a child in a trilingual household, and her hopes for her son in the future. This was a really thought-provoking episode, and I’m very grateful to Rochelle - grazie! - for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Story (Recorded July 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, teenage mother, short age gap, cryptic pregnancies, natural deliveries

We're heading back to the late 1990's in this episode, to meet teenage sweethearts Claire Ellul and her then partner. Claire experienced very erratic periods, and on advice from her doctor she began medication to regulate her cycles. Some time later, she discovered she was pregnant... and already entering her third trimester! 😮 Claire describes the shock of this news and the absence of traditional early pregnancy symptoms. There's some humour with her mother-in-law's novel suggestion to confirm the pregnancy!

Claire tried old wives' tales to facilitate the labour and had a good experience with a natural birth. She safely delivered her son in the summer of 1998, and got married (very!) soon afterwards. Claire describes money as tight, with the couple having made financial commitments before learning about their son. 

After returning to work, she discovered ANOTHER cryptic pregnancy late in her second trimester! Claire speaks about adjusting to welcoming a second baby, with cravings and a bump appearing as she neared her due date. Another good natural delivery followed in the summer of 1999, and the couple settled into life as a family of four... all this before Claire reached her 20th birthday!

Her two sons share the same age for part of each year - we reflect on the realities of parenting a small age gap, and her whirlwind start to motherhood. Claire shares the advice she would give herself as a new mum, and reflects on what it's like to parent young adults now. I really enjoyed hearing this remarkable story, and I'm so grateful to Claire for sharing her two 'cryptic' birth stories! (Recorded July 2025). 

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, large age gap, nuchal cord, placenta banking, natural deliveries, post-natal anxiety, silent reflux, nut & egg allergies, advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, breech, pandemic

We’re meeting qualified nurse Nicole Pizarro in this episode, a mum who’s two daughters were born 10 years apart. She describes a good first pregnancy, with parentcraft classes helping her feel more prepared for her daughter’s arrival in 2012… a rare example of a baby born on their actual due date!

Nicole describes a natural delivery, the process of placenta stem cell retrieval, and then the difficult months that followed as she adjusted to a breastfeeding journey alongside silent reflux. She’s open about anxiety she experienced, and we discuss her daughter’s diagnosis of nut and egg allergies. It’s an educational listen as Nicole outlines many challenges across the years in keeping her little girl safe, and how it's changed her as a parent. She speaks fondly of the bond with her daughter, as well as navigating the pandemic and a wedding to her new partner.

A much-wanted second pregnancy came along in 2023 with a fun gender reveal, and Nicole describes issues faced as an older mother approaching 40. There are positives though – her gestational diabetes was controlled, placenta previa resolved, and the baby turned from breech position before birth. A fast natural delivery followed, and Nicole speaks about what it’s like adjusting to a larger age gap, and the importance of support for mothers. I’m so grateful to Nicole for sharing her birth stories! (Recorded June 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, unexplained infertility, advanced maternal age, miscarriage, fibroids, endometriosis, polyhydramnios, elective caesarean, anemia, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, sciatica, pandemic

In this episode we meet serving police officer Patricia Gonzalez, who sets the scene with a history of gynaecological issues over many years, and a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. She accepted that she’d always be the ‘fun aunt’ and not a mother... until her late 30’s when she naturally conceived!

After a sad miscarriage, Patricia speaks about feeling more ready for motherhood… and then becoming pregnant again in 2016. She describes feeling uncomfortably large due to fluid retention, and her pregnancy was classed as high-risk as she approached her 40th birthday. Patricia had an elective caesarean, with a less-common vertical incision to remove a large fibroid. She required a blood transfusion during recovery, due to anemia. Patricia speaks very openly about her anxiety at being a good mum, and about bonding with her little girl.

This episode highlights an older mother’s physical journey after birth – Patricia describes painful gynae issues, sciatica and peri-menopause symptoms. Tests indicated her at heightened risk of ovarian cancer, requiring an urgent hysterectomy. She shares her experience of navigating this difficult stage with fluctuating hormone levels, a toddler and working full-time… through the pandemic! Despite these big topics, there’s lots of laughs and candid honesty in this episode, and it's lovely to hear about the relationship she has with her daughter. I’m so grateful to Patricia for sharing her birth story (Recorded June 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, advanced maternal age, infertility, genetics, thalassemia, IVF, haematoma, hyperemesis, induction, natural delivery, hypoxia, placenta previa, pre-septic, emergency caesarean, small age-gap, pandemic

Get ready for a rollercoaster episode with Bryony Rovegno and her family! In just a few short years, this local Mum experienced an incredible journey with a range of unexpected complications. Bryony and her partner were told that their chances of natural conception were very low from medical tests, so they began a fertility journey with a Spanish clinic. Three rounds of IVF later, the couple became pregnant with their daughter. Bryony had a haematoma and was severely sick until labour, when she had an assisted natural delivery… but things quickly took a turn for the worse, as her baby stopped breathing.

It's an emotional listen as Bryony describes the frightening medical emergency, with her little girl needing CPR and intubation plus a trip to Malaga. Staff battled to treat her daughter’s unexplained hypoxia and tried unconventional methods in a desperate bid to save her… against the odds she recovered, as the very rare (and usually fatal) cause was finally discovered. Bryony believes her daughter’s survival chances were a one in a billion.

Adjusting to their baby’s dramatic arrival, she describes the complete shock of then becoming pregnant again – naturally this time. Another haematoma and sickness followed, before placenta previa and an infection led to an emergency caesarean delivery of their son in early 2024. Bryony and her son recovered well, and the couple adapted to life as a family of four. She speaks openly about the challenges of colic, parenting a very small age-gap and working full-time.

Bryony hopes her episode offers support to anybody going through any similar issues, and highlights positive moments throughout her journey. I’m very grateful to Bryony for sharing her amazing birth stories (Recorded June 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, PCOS, low PAPP-A, meconium, natural delivery, advanced maternal age, nuchal hand, precipitous labour, infant feeding coach

Our guest Karen Kelly is passionate about supporting nursing parents on the Rock! Karen is registered with the Federation of Antenatal Educators (FEDANT) and is working through her advanced professional qualification with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM), with a view to become a certified lactation consultant.

Karen shares her own three birth stories: the first in a busy UK hospital with a challenging and lengthy induced labour, followed by her further two daughters born quickly - and without pain relief! – here in Gibraltar 🇬🇮 

She shares why she thought she may not be able to have a baby, and the emotions in discovering pregnancy for the first time in 2019. Karen felt pressured into having a medicalised birth, and endured a 52-hour labour in an overstretched London hospital with her concerned husband by her side. She describes the experience as ‘horrendous,’ and recovery difficult, although praises the breastfeeding support she received. 

The family relocated back to the Rock in 2022, and another low-risk pregnancy followed. Karen’s description of this natural labour is fascinating, with euphoria as her second daughter arrived. An unusual incident made her suspect she was pregnant for the third time, due in 2025. Karen experienced more tiredness in her late 30’s, before her third child arrived in an unusual position, after an intense and fast labour.

We chat about the emotive topic of breastfeeding – tongue tie, latch, expressing and relactation, plus the importance of good community support for maternal mental health. Thank you Karen for sharing your clear passion for this topic, and for helping others!

Find more on Instagram at: @infant_feeding_matters

https://www.gbc.gi/news/breastfeeding-support-group-opens-its-doors-in-march

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, measuring small, precipitous labours, frank breech, unplanned home birth, natural deliveries, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

We're meeting Natalie Baitson in this episode: a mother whose labours got progressively faster - from 6 hours, to 1 hour... to just 17 minutes! 

Natalie and her partner were teenage sweethearts before starting their family in their early twenties, with baby Kaila in 2013. There's an unusual twist about about how the couple discovered they were expecting, but the pregnancy was straightforward and Natalie had a good natural delivery at hospital. The only concern was that she measured small for all three pregnancies - although her babies were all around 6lbs born, and she herself has a slight frame.

In 2017 Natalie experienced her only pregnancy that involved sickness, before Baby Kleo was born unexpectedly quickly at home. It was a high-risk situation due to breech position, with Natalie's partner delivering the baby as the ambulance was delayed. She believes they were able to manage the situation as it was their second birth. Natalie describes a complication affecting baby Kleo's hip, that required months of monitoring and trips to the Evelina hospital in London. Natalie tried an unusual treatment technique that proved successful, and happily Kleo now has a full range of movement with no lasting effects.

Her third birth in 2022 is described as Natalie's most traumatic, due to the sheer speed of events. This time her husband insisted on taking her to hospital when he recognised the first sign of labour... Natalie describes a race against time, and another dramatic birth at the entrance of the Maternity ward! She has time stamps on her phone messages that prove just how rapidly the labour progressed - something she points out can be very difficult to adjust to physically and emotionally. I'm very grateful to her for sharing her very fast birth stories! (Recorded June 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, gender reveal, spina bifida (myelomeningocele), frank breech, caesarean, disability, positivity

We're meeting Lucy Ware in this episode, mother to little ray of sunshine toddler Lottie! This is the most impressive gender reveal story so far, at the concert of a famous pop star in 2023 (that even made the news!) A few weeks later however, Lucy and her partner Jake were told that anomalies seen at the 20 week scan showed their little girl had spina bifida. This lead them on a journey away from the Rock for stressful scans and medical consultations... Lucy describes those weeks as being the worst of her life, as the couple grappled with questions and uncertainty.

A naturally positive couple, they decided to continue with the pregnancy and learn how best to support their daughter. They discovered that her bowel, bladder, ankles and feet would be most affected, and that her birth was too high-risk for Gibraltar. Lucy describes how in her third trimester, she and Jake undertook a roadtrip, relocating to London for the caesarean birth and specialist care. Lottie was born safely but then underwent major surgery within hours, spending weeks in hospital before the family could travel back to the Rock.

Lucy speaks so eloquently about Lottie's journey, and what it's like learning to care for a child with a physical disability. Lottie is developing into a bright and happy little girl, handling her physiotherapy and follow-up appointments well and settling into nursery. This is a proud loving family raising awareness and promoting inclusivity within the community, with a message of hope and positivity in the face of a difficult diagnosis. It's been a real privilege to capture this story (recorded May 2025), and I'm so grateful to Lucy for sharing.

For support, UK Charity Shine: https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/

Local charity PossAbilities: https://possabilities-gib.com/

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, induction, weight, natural deliveries, anxiety, pandemic, autism parent, positivity, general practitioner

This special episode is in two parts, with General Practitioner Dr Olivia Gonzalez. In the first half she gives an overview of her professional background, and the services at the GHA Well Woman clinic where she's worked since 2020. Olivia explains how to book an appointment, what to expect on attendance, and gives great advice on discussing sensitive topics such as menopause, periods, fertility, contraception and postnatal care. She mentions some useful resources, outlined in the notes below.

In the second half, Olivia shares the two birth stories of her boys. She experienced a good first pregnancy and natural delivery, before settling into family life... just as the pandemic hit. Olivia speaks very openly about the challenges of managing anxiety and adjusting to her son's autism diagnosis.

Her second pregnancy followed a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with gestational diabetes, requiring dietary management. Deemed high risk, Olivia was encouraged to have a caesarean - but her son had other ideas! Immediately after both births Olivia felt physically well, and she speaks so fondly about the support from her husband and family. 

There's lots of sensible advice and positivity in this episode, with a real emphasis on self-kindness. I'm very grateful to Olivia for sharing her valuable professional experience and honest birth stories here. (Recorded May 2025).

______________________________________

To contact the GHA Well Woman clinic, call 2000 7842 or use the egov.gi portal

The National Autistic Society Early Bird Parenting https://www.autism.org.uk

Local charity PossAbilities: https://possabilities-gib.com

NHS health advice: https://patient.info

Tommys pregnancy & baby charity: https://www.tommys.org

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Season 2 of the podcast is complete! Thank you to our 12 wonderful guests for sharing their Gibraltar Birth Stories across episodes 14 to 25.

Season 3 coming soon! If you'd like to get involved, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, MRKH syndrome, genetics, infertility, IVF, surrogacy, pandemic

To complete season 2, it’s a privilege to capture the very special story of a Llanita baby born *off* the Rock, to Gibraltarian mother Stephanie Galea via a surrogate. This is a powerful and fascinating listen to a complex five-year journey, for Stephanie and her husband to become parents to their daughter.

Our story begins in the year 2000, when as a teenager Stephanie received a very rare medical diagnosis… confirming she would never naturally conceive or carry a baby. When she met her husband in her 30’s, the couple explored surrogacy options and underwent medical tests and a successful first round of IVF in 2017. However, they discovered that Gibraltarians were not eligible for surrogacy in the UK at that time, which came as a devastating blow. With few other options available to them in Europe, the couple made huge financial sacrifices to seek a surrogate in America where the process is well-established. They somehow fit in a wedding in 2019!

Stephanie is so composed as she explains complicated legal processes, logistical challenges and costs involved in working with a surrogacy agency. Due to the pandemic, Stephanie and her husband met their chosen surrogate couple online… and she describes how they ‘just clicked.’ What followed was nerve-wracking journey into 2021, as the pregnancy successfully progressed. Stephanie speaks about key dates etched in her mind, and how their daughter’s arrival three weeks early led to a race across the Atlantic to meet her! The moment she finally held her longed-for baby makes for a very emotional listen.

There was further paperwork to complete as the couple navigated their way back home to the Rock, but they settled into family life and their daughter is now starting school locally. Stephanie and her husband have remained in contact with their surrogate couple, and she speaks about her huge gratitude to the surrogate mother, as well as to her family for their support. Her motto is very much “Anything is Possible,” and I’m so grateful to Stephanie for sharing this remarkable birth story. (Recorded May 2025).

https://www.gbc.gi/news/surrogacy-bill-finally-published

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, miscarriages, pre-eclampsia, caesareans, prolapsed bladder, pandemic, autism parent, expat

We meet Charlotte today, a mother of two boys born through the pandemic. This is a very insightful episode for anybody wondering what its like to parent a child with special needs, as her eldest child has a diagnosis of nonverbal autism. Charlotte highlights some beautiful positives in her journey.

After early miscarriages, she and her ex-husband were thrilled to experience a good healthy pregnancy, and prepared for a peaceful natural birth... but due to pre-eclampsia concerns her son arrived by emergency caesarean. She speaks about her recovery and the challenges of being a new parent while the world locked down in 2020. Charlotte's unexpected second pregnancy came along... just in time for the second lockdown! She had severe sickness this time - while working from home with a toddler. She speaks about a better birth experience via elective caesarean in 2021, with a positive breastfeeding journey too. Charlotte describes the early signs of autism in her eldest son, the fast referral process with the GHA, as well as communication techniques and the special bond between her sons.

A particularly disastrous fitness incident (!) prompted Charlotte to became passionate about promoting gentle postpartum exercise and body positivity, challenging societal expectations. She's a qualified Pilates instructor and works to empower new mothers on their health journeys, pre and postnatally. She tells her story so calmly and with humour and warmth; I'm very grateful to Charlotte for sharing her two Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded April 2025).

Core Life by Charlotte: www.corelifebyc.com

Instagram: corelife_bycharlotte

Email: charlotte@corelifebyc.com

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural deliveries, miscarriage, induction, nuchal cord, positivity

In this episode we're meeting babies born to Claire Hernandez and her husband, in the noughties: 2004 & 2009. This is a very strong, loving family unit!

Claire was fortunate to become pregnant soon after the couple began trying to start their family, and had what she describes as a 'textbook' pregnancy. Her morning sickness eased off in the second trimester, and Claire spontaneously went into labour before her due date. Their son arrived quite quickly with a natural delivery, and she speaks movingly about how it felt to hold her baby for the first time. Claire describes her feeding journey transitioning from breast to bottle, and a straightforward start to parenting. Sadly a few years later, the couple experienced a miscarriage in the first trimester, which came as a complete shock after their previous successful pregnancy. She speaks eloquently about the mix of emotions involved, and the support of family and friends.

The following year Claire experienced another textbook pregnancy, and speaks about her positive mindset throughout. This time the baby was induced, and Claire remembers a longer, more intense labour with her daughter's cord wrapped around her neck. She was delivered safely, and Claire was able to go home the same day and settle into life as a family of four. She describes her toddler son responding well to his new sibling.

We chat about family dynamics and efforts to keep things fair when parenting two, as well as the impact of the pandemic when her kids were just starting and finishing secondary school. This episode concludes with a reflection on the positives of her parenting journey and Claire's hopes for her children's futures. She's very proud of her family, and I'm very grateful to Claire for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded May 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, advanced maternal age, IVF, hyperemesis gravidarum, placenta previa, haemorrhage & blood transfusion, emergency CS, premature, postnatal depression, expat

Hold tight for a dramatic story in this episode, as we meet Louise Ann - who arrived pregnant on the Rock in 2007! Louise and her partner began trying for a baby in the early 2000's in the UK, but were met with unexplained infertility. She describes the toll of three unsuccessful IVF cycles and exploratory surgery, before eventually falling pregnant. However, she suffered severe sickness and further complications in her second trimester... discovered once she relocated to the Rock with her partner's job at 31 weeks pregnant.

Louise was admitted to St. Bernard's hospital on arrival, then put on bedrest for several weeks as placenta previa and associated bleeding deemed her high risk. She used her time to learn about newborn care, and describes a steep learning curve while forming good connections with medical staff. She recalls the details surrounding the frighteningly fast arrival of her daughter by emergency caesarean at 34 weeks. Louise required a blood transfusion, but was lucky to avoid transfer of care to Spain. 

Mother and baby recovered well, and Louise speaks about her determination to overcome postnatal depression. She describes the surprising power of instinct and positive mindset, and speaks fondly about staff at the GHA supporting her. Louise is certain she would not have received the same care in England, and remains forever grateful to local staff for saving their lives. We conclude our chat discussing what it's like to go from proudly parenting a tiny preemie to a young adult. I'm very grateful to Louise for sharing her dramatic Gibraltar Birth Story! 

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, PCOS, natural deliveries, fast labours, postnatal depression, allergies & intolerances

Heidi Jeffries is our guest on an episode we’re calling ‘Plain Sailing,’ as her birth experiences were very straightforward… and the family has multiple nautical connections! We’re travelling back to the year 2000, when Heidi and her husband started their family soon after getting married. After convincing her husband that the pregnancy was not an April Fool’s joke (!) Heidi had a good pregnancy journey – with an unusual craving.

She received conflicting medical advice about her labour due to a back condition in the third trimester, which influenced her choice of birth position for the natural delivery of her son. He had a safe textbook arrival… but Heidi describes how feeding and sleep issues then hugely overshadowed the following years, as her son suffered with several allergies and intolerances. She speaks candidly about the toll it takes on tired parents, trying to find solutions to make a child comfortable. Heidi mentions her mother’s support, as well as amusing nicknames she and husband had for the boys.

Heidi found it hard to become pregnant with her second child, and investigations revealed that she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Treatment helped her conceive, and she experienced another good pregnancy, but this time with a different craving. As with her other son, Heidi’s second child arrived before his due date and quickly – with his birth weight matching his date and month of birth! She describes the challenge of raising a child prone to accidents and injuries, and we chat about what it’s like to parent young adults, and the special bond between the two boys. Heidi is so proud of her sons, and I’m very grateful she’s shared her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded April 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, miscarriages, hostile uterus, genetic mutation, clotting disorder, IVF, natural birth, fast delivery, depression, fostering

In this episode we meet Megan Ballestero, who describes her unexpected parenting journey to become a family of four!

Megan and her husband began trying for a baby soon after their wedding... but experienced recurring miscarriages over several years. Extensive tests revealed a 'medically complex' case: a genetic mutation (MTHFR gene), a blood clotting disorder (Factor V Leiden) and a uterus abnormality requiring surgery, which - all combined - made it almost impossible to get past the first trimester.

At significant financial cost, the couple began an IVF journey with a fertility clinic in Spain and were thrilled to experience a healthy full-term pregnancy. Deemed high-risk due to her medical issues, Megan was prepared for an elective caesarean... but her son had other ideas! She describes a very positive and smooth start to motherhood after his fast birth in December 2018.

When her son was a toddler, Megan attended a session run by the Care Agency seeking foster families. The realisation that there are local children in need was an eye-opening experience that Megan could not ignore. Her husband understood the compulsion to help, and eventually they welcomed a similar-aged little boy into their home! Proving that you don't have to give birth to be a loving parent, I'm very grateful to Megan for sharing her fascinating journey here (Recorded February 2025).

For information about the Care Agency: https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/health/care-agency

More about becoming a Foster Carer: https://www.gbc.gi/news/care-agency-calling-out-foster-carers-their-social-media-campaign

For details about Care Link charity: https://carelink.gi/

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Season 4 of the podcast is complete! 🙌

Hear a summary trailer of our wonderful guests, who told their unique birth experiences across episodes 41 - 52.

12 local mothers bravely shared their birth stories in their own words, with fascinating topics and perspectives.

Deeply emotional, educational, surprising, amusing and inspirational... these stories are told by women living right here in Gibraltar!

💜 12 episodes (January - March 2026)

💜 Over 15 hours of audio

💜 Stories from 1989 - 2025

💜 27 babies!

Birth is so intimate and life-changing... your experience is unique.

Want to share your story? Contact Lucinda: bornontherock@gbc.gi 

Thank you for listening, and join us for Season 5 starting in May 2026!

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, miscarriage, natural deliveries, puerperal haematoma, premature, postnatal depression, anaemia, Christmas

Let’s welcome our youngest mother to the podcast so far: Victoria Sanguinetti born in 1999. She’s packed in a rollercoaster few years since the pandemic - getting married, moving house and giving birth to her daughter in 2022, then son in 2023 (prematurely)… all while working and supporting her husband through an organ transplant!

Victoria describes both pregnancies as healthy but very different. She experienced a frightening haematoma complication after the rapid birth of her daughter that almost led to a blood transfusion. Victoria had postnatal depression after the traumatic event, but physically healed well and established breastfeeding. The following year she and her partner conceived their second child faster than planned... and he arrived sooner than expected too, at 34 weeks on Boxing Day! The birth and recovery was a positive experience, and the couple were fortunate not have to transfer care to Spain as is often the case for premature arrivals. 

All of this happened just a few months before the couple’s wedding – and Victoria describes how much harder things could have been if her son was born later, while she supported her husband undergoing months of medical treatment in England. It’s an incredibly busy set of events, and she describes her story so calmly, showing true strength and resilience. I’m so grateful to Victoria for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories… and wish her family a very quiet and settled few years ahead! (Recorded February 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, miscarriage, ectopic, salpingectomy, infertility, IVF, elective caesarean, thrombophilia, pandemic

We welcome our first pregnant guest onto the podcast in this episode! Meet Krisanne Orciel, full-term with her second baby at the time of recording (February 2025).

Krisanne describes her decade-long parenting journey, including an ectopic pregnancy loss at nine weeks. The procedure to remove the affected fallopian tube was followed by repeated, unexplained early miscarriages over several years. A second ectopic pregnancy and salpingectomy procedure left Krisanne unable to naturally conceive, and she describes the intense feelings of hopelessness, believing she might never become a mother.

Krisanne and her partner qualified for fertility treatment through the Gibraltar Health Authority using a clinic in Spain. She explains the many tests involved, and how they finally discovered the treatable reason for her previous losses. After an unsuccessful first IVF cycle, Krisanne speaks about her mindset change for their second attempt, and - despite an additional risk factor - the couple were able to enjoy a healthy pregnancy before the elective caesarean birth of their boy in 2022! They underwent another cycle of fertility treatment the following year at a different clinic, and were lucky to become pregnant again with their second son. She speaks about the contrasting experiences at the clinics, and feels grateful she's had these opportunities to grow her family.

This is a story with an over-riding message of positivity in the face of adversity. Krisanne tells her story in such an engaging way, you’ll be gripped from start to finish. We’ve popped a little update at the end too, with a surprising twist on her second caesarean as well as her recovery journey. Thank you Krisanne for sharing your Gibraltar Birth Stories so beautifully!

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, endometriosis, genetics, Fragile X syndrome, advanced maternal age, hyperemesis gravidarum, fast labour, natural birth

We meet Somaya Anakkar in this story, who describes her son as a miracle! She wanted to be a mother for a very long time, but discovered that she is a carrier of the genetic disorder Fragile X syndrome, which - along with a diagnosis of painful endometriosis - vastly reduced her chances of natural fertility. Two decades passed without the right circumstances for conceiving, and she was acutely aware of the threat of menopause as she neared her late 30’s.

Somaya describes herself as a woman of faith, and placed trust in the concept of ‘what is meant for you will not pass you by.’ She met her husband when she least expected to, and after a pandemic wedding they began a fertility treatment journey… with unexpected results defying doctors! After a pregnancy involving hyperemesis gravidarium and then a fast labour, Somaya’s much-wanted little boy arrived safely. It’s a fascinating set of events, right down to the meaning behind her son’s beautiful name.

This is a story of faith, hope and love when the odds seem completely stacked against becoming a parent. Somaya’s gratitude at motherhood is so heartwarming to hear, and she tells her story in such an engaging way. Thanks to Somaya for sharing this wonderfully uplifting episode of Born on the Rock! (Recorded February 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, natural deliveries, placental abruption, stillbirth, depression, grandparent

Today we're heading back to the old St Bernard's hospital with Eileen Sanchez, who had three children with her husband in 1985, 1986 and 1988.

⚠️ As a trigger warning, please note the first half of this episode contains discussion of baby loss, as Eileen tragically experienced the stillbirth of her first child at 8 months pregnant. She describes key moments in the weeks before the loss of her daughter, leading Eileen to question 'what if..?' ever since.

She explains the bewilderment of a first-time mother, feeling that her intense pain was not recognised, and even dismissed. After spontaneous labour, she reflects on approaches deemed helpful at the time but that compounded her grief, leading to depression. Poignantly, she recalls specific details and dates in retelling her story even 40 years later, and addresses the difficult topic of grief. Eileen had the support of her concerned husband and family members.

She went on to have two nerve-wracking but healthy pregnancies, resulting in the safe births of her sons...the third labour being her easiest with least pain! Eileen emphasises the importance of communication and mental health awareness, and hopes her story offers support to other parents coping with loss. There's a heart-warming chat towards the end of this episode about the joy of becoming a grandparent, and it’s clear she's very proud of her family. I'm so grateful to Eileen for bravely sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded February 2025).

Please visit BABYSTEPPS or Sands for baby loss support, or email bornontherock@gbc.gi to contact Eileen

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, large age gap, natural deliveries, advanced maternal age, pandemic

Jenny Ainsworth is our guest today, describing the births of her three children in 2000, 2004... and 2019. Jenny's pregnancies were unplanned but straightforward, and she references feelings of strong maternal instinct. She's a single mum, and regards motherhood as the best experience of her life.

Pregnancy generally suited Jenny, and her natural births were painful but without complication. She describes what it was like to welcome a newborn again... 16 years after her last child! Jenny speaks about the challenges of raising a baby during the pandemic, her breastfeeding experience, choosing names and the special bond she has with her youngest daughter.

Very sadly, Jenny's firstborn - her son - passed away as a baby. We do not discuss details of his loss in this episode, but acknowledge his memory by name. I'm very grateful to Jenny for braving the microphone to share her Gibraltar Birth Stories in this episode. (Recorded January 2025).

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, PCOS, hyperemesis gravidarum, caesarean, VBAC, precipitous labour, premature, home births

Jo Abergel and her husband are parents to three children, born in 2002, 2005 and 2011. After over a year of trying for a baby and investigations that identified PCOS, the couple conceived when they least expected! A serious issue throughout all of Jo’s journeys was the severe and debilitating vomiting she experienced – plus anti-sickness treatments that left her almost bed-bound by her third pregnancy.

Jo’s first birth was an elective caesarean turned emergency, when spontaneous labour began at 38 weeks. She recovered well and had strong family support after the birth of her son. Her next two babies were born prematurely at 34 and 35 weeks… coincidentally, both at home and quickly on the couple’s bathroom floor! Jo recalls feeling very little pain as her husband helped deliver both babies, while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. It's a remarkable listen!

There’s high drama and humour in this episode, plus a glimpse of the old St Bernard's hospital as everything transferred to the current premises with Jo's second baby. She mentions instances of Jewish faith traditions within her parenting journey, lots of family support, and is full of praise for the hospital staff too. Thanks for sharing these fascinating birth stories, Jo! (Recorded January 2025).

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A little recap of our 13 wonderful guests from season one - we're so grateful for these beautiful and emotional shared experiences, helping launch Born on the Rock!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and find all episodes on your favourite streaming platform or at gbc.gi

New episodes released every Thursday. Contact bornontherock@gbc.gi if you'd like to get involved!

Lucinda Snape

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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, fast labour, natural birth, positive experience, midwife

To finish season 1, it’s wonderful to welcome local midwife Denise Camilleri with almost 20 years experience delivering babies on the Rock! This episode is in two halves – the first is an insight into the Maternity Unit at St Bernard’s Hospital and the workload of a midwife, as Denise gives a fascinating insight into trends over time and her many varied professional experiences.

The second half is her own positive story from naturally delivering her son in 2016... imagine giving birth in your workplace! She shares the techniques that she found to be successful, and gives advice to women preparing for pregnancy and labour (see the chapters below for topics covered). Huge thanks to Denise for this incredibly engaging and inspiring episode!

03:10 – Work of the Maternity Unit: Staff numbers, shifts and caseloads. What’s the most babies born in a 24hr period? Does a full moon really affect activity?

14:09 – Pandemic: How did restrictions impact midwives, mothers and birthing partners?

18:30 – The Waiting Room: Support versus pressure from family members, plus recent changes.

23:54 – Parental Education Classes: Teaching parents-to-be about labour, pain relief, coping mechanisms, infant feeding and newborn care.

27:37 – Birth Plans: Preferences versus reality, pressure of own expectations, impact of emotions such as guilt, fear and stress; benefits of staying open-minded

35:04 – Mindset Tools: Mantras, hypnobirthing & mindfulness, plus the negative impact of phones on the ward.

38:25 – Birthing Pool: Can women have a water birth in Gibraltar?

40:37 – Birthing Interventions: Have caesarean rates increased, and if so, why? How important is maternal self-care?

45:40 – The Hard Stuff: How do midwives cope when things go wrong? And when a baby dies?

51:15 – What Women Say: What are some of the strangest/funniest things labouring mothers say? How do you handle confrontation at work?

56:33 – Qualities to be a Midwife: Compassion, empathy, patience and communication to name but a few! What are the career path options into midwifery?

1:01:23 – Recognition of Maternity Unit Work: Do people on the outside realise the value of the Unit? What’s the community perception of midwifery work?

1:03:00 – Kids Grow Up: What’s it like to see the babies and mothers years later? How many babies have you delivered across your career?

1:05:40 – DENISE’S BIRTH STORY

Denise reflects on the questions: Can you be a good midwife if you’ve never had a baby? And does it help or hinder to have extensive maternity knowledge?

She describes a good pregnancy in her mid-30’s, with nutrition and self-care very important in helping her feel well. Denise went into labour spontaneously at 38 weeks, and explains how she juggled her professional training versus the uncertainty and pain of a new mother as contractions increased and a fast birth approached. Delivering her baby alongside colleagues, she describes a positive and instinctual experience, as well as her adjustment to feeding and parenthood. Thank you Denise for this amazing episode!

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), infertility treatment, emergency & elective caesarean, 13-month age gap, suspected postnatal depression

In this episode we meet our first 1990's babies, born to Justine Fava-Cartwright and her ex-partner. They faced fertility struggles due to Justine's hormonal imbalances and erratic cycles... in later life she was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Justine highlights the emotions involved when facing challenges to become pregnant. Soon after starting Clomid treatment, she conceived! Justine had a good pregnancy, but a difficult and lengthy labour resulting in an emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic. She explains how the experience left her feeling 'robbed,' and impacted her initial bonding with her first son. Combined with the 90's stigma about being "too posh to push," it lead to suspected postnatal depression.

There's some humour as Justine describes the moment she discovered she was pregnant again... when her first baby was just 4 months old! This time the birth was a far more positive experience, as her second son arrived by elective caesarean. Justine talks about the tough juggling act of adjusting to life with twin-like toddlers, while also returning to work with limited childcare. She openly admits feeling pushed to her mental health limit during those early years, yet reflects on the positives of a small age gap and a supportive ex-partner.

This episode concludes with a discussion of what it's like to parent grown-ups and enter grandparent territory, plus the continued special bond between the two brothers. There's poignant, emotional moments and funny anecdotes throughout this chat, and I'm grateful to Justine for so honestly sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories! Recorded January 2025

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, miscarriage, twins, premature, baby loss, caesarean, VBAC, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In this emotional episode, we meet Louise Busto and her partner: parents to twin boys born in 2010, and a third son born in 2014. As a trigger warning, please note that this episode is a very difficult listen as it involves discussion of baby loss.

Louise describes a generally good healthy pregnancy, before complications set in at 23 weeks requiring her transfer to Spain for specialist monitoring and facilities at 25 weeks pregnant. Poignantly, she describes her trust in the medical professionals, and how the gravity of her situation did not immediately seem apparent. The time spent delaying labour makes for tense listening, before the boys were born by caesarean section at 27 weeks. It’s hard to hear how helpless Louise and her husband felt in the following weeks, as the boys’ health took twists and turns... and when medical complications eventually led to the unbearable loss of one twin: Owen.

Louise had the support of family, but describes the difficult return to the Rock and the impact on her mental health. She channelled her grief into a positive force and with the help of other brave mothers, established the charity BabySTEPPs in 2012 to support other parents in their journeys through early parenthood and pregnancy. After two miscarriages, Louise became pregnant again with their third son Theo. She describes how it felt to carry to full-term this time (actually past the due date!), and what it was like to have a contrasting 'textbook' experience. There’s an interesting conversation about how the family keep Owen’s memory alive to their sons, particularly with surviving twin, Leon.

Louise speaks so eloquently about an experience that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Tragically baby loss does impact families, and Louise hopes that sharing her story provides some support for others to know: you are not alone. She also shares advice on what to say, and what *not* to say to grieving parents. I’m so grateful for this powerful addition to the podcast and want to thank Louise for her bravery and strength in sharing. Please visit BABYSTEPPS on Facebook for support, or UK charity SANDS.

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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, caesarean, hyperemesis, diastasis recti, doctor, pandemic

Local doctor, author and campaigner Meenal Viz changed UK law during the pandemic… while starting her family! This driven mum-of-three is passionate about positive change, shares her motherhood journey in this end-of-season special.

Meenal discovered she was pregnant while working for the NHS with her doctor husband… as the pandemic hit. She was profoundly affected by the death of a fellow pregnant medical worker amid conflicting Covid advice, and campaigned against inadequate protection for healthcare workers. Meenal staged a solo protest outside 10 Downing Street... while 6-and-a-half months pregnant.

The couple's first daughter was born by caesarean in 2020, in over-stretched conditions with Covid restrictions. Breastfeeding was initially difficult, and Meenal spent lonely postpartum months working on her legal challenge and coping with - rather than enjoying - motherhood.

The couple moved back to Gibraltar in 2023 when Meenal was in the third trimester of her second pregnancy. She juggled more sickness while parenting and writing her book. She had a far more positive CS birth, feeling safe and respected – Meenal speaks highly of the midwives, and began to enjoy motherhood more.

A third pregnancy in 2024 brought challenges - hospital admissions for worsening hyperemesis, Covid, plus caring for two young children! Meenal felt this pregnancy passed in a blur, before another positive CS birth experience.

We have an interesting chat about her Indian Hindu heritage and relationship with her own mother, as well as the importance of supporting new mothers and speaking up for creating positive change. Thank you Dr Meenal for sharing your inspirational birth stories! (Recorded February 2026).

Instagram: https://www.meenalviz.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Protest-Healthcare-Meenal-Viz/dp/1839978414

GibTalks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYx3dvu9-CU

GBC: https://www.gbc.gi/news/gibraltarian-doctor-shares-story-of-ppe-protest-during-pandemic

UK news: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/24/doctor-couple-challenge-uk-government-on-ppe-risks-to-bame-staff

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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, adolescent mother, rhesus disease, assisted delivery, wet nursing, positive support, grandmother

Our guest in this episode is Annette Tunbridge, a Gibraltarian wife, mother and grandmother in her early 70's at the time of recording (November 2024). Annette first met her husband when she was just 15 years old, and the two quickly fell in love and made plans to marry. She speaks about how they just 'knew,' they were to be together and start a family, despite their young age. She describes both families' reactions, local traditions, and their romantic honeymoon - despite the closed land border with Spain in the early 1970's.

Annette had an uncomplicated first pregnancy, aside from concern over rhesus disease - differing mother/baby blood types. But due to her son's slowed growth and pre-eclampsia concerns, she underwent a traumatic delivery with high forceps... a practice that rarely happens in modern times. Annette references the effects of her epidural (felt for decades afterwards), and how infection during her recovery impacted the ability to breastfeed; she recounts an example of wet-nursing from another mother to assist with her son's first feeds. Her second son was born naturally two years later, but this time it was a much easier and more positive experience - without requiring any pain relief!

Annette describes the invaluable support of bringing up babies surrounded by other mothers in a multi-generational home. She gives a wonderful analogy about love being elastic...there is always enough for a growing family. This is a heart-warming look at Annette's journey to becoming a very young parent and then grandparent, and overall, is a very positive and uplifting story. Thank you so much Annette for sharing!

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